I was very emotional last week, I have felt extremely shocked at the prospect of massive surgery. So we hibernated for a couple of days. We then spent last weekend visiting my parents, who are back from holiday and we celebrated my mothers birthday, and so I was not able to log on and blog.. You missed me huh!!
Its been half term, and we have had a very busy week! I have really struggled with my Back this week, and I think that its a combo of having all the kidlets at home and being super busy and not getting enough sleep.. Still, I see the consultant tomorrow and am hopeful of a solution.
I feel like my blog has gone from this super exercise fueled upbeat whirlwind to this whingy food focused narrative and I apologise. It was been 2 months since I was last able to run and over 4 weeks now since I have used my beloved turbo. I have decided that if the consultant found nothing in last weeks MRI, then I have to get back to doing something. I miss the post-exercise highs, the fatigue of having pushed myself and the over-all feeling of achievement. I miss my gym camaraderie with Lucy and I am feeling soft and sloth like. So back to this week.. Monday On Monday we went to Elle's house for afternoon coffee and play - she blogged about it here. It was good see everyone, and I'm sorry you were feeling nervous Elle x x The bigs both took their own amusement (Lochie in the form of his Tablet, Bebe in the form of colouring pencils) and they were great with the smaller children. Louise particularly had a game with her 'Who know whose nose', that she clearly plays a lot with Bethan, see here - fabulous for toddlers! Niamh LOVED it! (As did Bebe!!) Tuesday On Tuesday Paul went to Edinburgh over night with work, so he was at home in the morning and during the afternoon we dropped him at the airport before going swimming with Dave and Maia. Amala wasn't feeling very well, so Lucy stayed at home with her. Dave was super helpful, as I was in 'el crippo' mode by the end. Crouching in a shallow pool and playing with 3 children doesn't help my current Back predicament. But they loved it, and that was the main thing. (Dave and Lucy are so generous with their time. Adult/child ratio in the pool means I can't take my three by myself, so they go with us during school holidays and everyone gets to swim. Which means Dave was doubly generous making sure to come despite Amala being poorly. Thank you so much xx)
Wednesday My sister, Emily visited, with my Nephew, Leif, and I talked about our lovely day here.
I also planted my first seeds of 2013. My friend Jo, who I have mentioned before, has started a new blog dedicated to her gardening exploits (see here) and it inspired me to make a start.
I planted lavender, mint and coriander. I was so surprised at the minute size of the lavender seeds and at how strongly they smelled of lavender!! One of my plans this year is to tidy up the front garden and I thought I would have a crack at growing some lavender from seed - I love plants from seed because its just me and my effort with their growing energy and potential, so its more rewarding that I can put that energy back into our garden. (Plus its cheaper!).
I also ordered an amazing bargain from Van Meuwen last Sunday. At the end of March I will get 70 perenial shrubs (plug sized) delivered for the bargain price of £9.99 (total of £13.95 with postage)
*Offer valid on the perennial collection only, strictly 1 special priced
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Offer ends midnight Sunday 17/02/13 and cannot be used in conjunction
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Limited stocks available of this fantastic offer - you must place your order by latest midnight tonight, Sunday 17th February!
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Bumper 70+ plant perennial collection worth over £70 now just £9.99 with your discount.
For my birthday last year (see here and here - how little was Niamh! How short was my hair!), we tidied the garden and sorted out my sacred space, but it now needs filling and I will have more than enough to do this with my the end of March! Paul (who doesn't usually get involved with the garden) is going to dig everything over for me and I am SUPER EXCITED!!
Thursday A lovely day at Maddalena's house, which I blogged about yesterday here. and then Felting in the evening - see that post here. I also had my hair cut and feel much better for it. I'm still growing it out, but the back is sooo much neater now!
Friday Today we went to Louise's house, and again the Bigs were amazing with the smaller children. So proud of them.
Vikki and I have been working on a project for Barney this week too. When they go to their speech and language group, they are learning to use 'PECS' (The Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
is a successful approach that uses pictures to develop communication
skills. It is appropriate for children and adults with a wide range of
learning and communication difficulties including autism. See here) and so we took a gazillion photos of absolutely everything in their flat and all the people in Barneys life, so that we could laminate to our hearts content and make 'PECS' accessible to Barney at home.
Barneys Aunt and uncle (Hi Liz!!)
A typical breakfast for Barney.
I hope the idea will make life easier for Barney, and ultimately Vikki (and family) - in my ideal world (that probably only exists in my head,) they will be able to use the pictures to teach Barney how to show them what he wants and so ease his frustration. Vikki, I hope I didn't force the idea on you, thank you for letting me take over..!! Thank you for letting us use your laminator Rach X x Saturday and Sunday A quiet weekend, spent doing quiet activities indoors (It is 0 zero degrees outside and snowy!). Paul and the Bigs gutted the upstairs and I skyped with my Mum. I think we are all quite reflective at the moment. Perhaps my sombre mood has effected everyone, but I think we are all in limbo at the moment. Lucy took me to the gym this morning (Sunday) and I did a gentle Vereo workout, I feel good right now but am fearful of payback as the day goes on. I was brave and got on their scales and was rewarded with being half a stone lighter there, then I am at home, and I had had breakfast and was fully clothed there too - YAY! I also went in the pool, but it was super busy and I got out in frustration after 15 mins. I am either quicker than I was, or the fast lane was full of slow people today. I am not the worlds quickest swimmer, but I do follow etiquette - if you're going quicker than me, I will wait at the end of my length and let you over take me. Why does no one else do this??? Why do slower people insist on trying to get a head of you at the turn and then just slog it out? So FRUSTRATING! Ahem. Sorry Clanettes, rant over!! Happy Sunday - a checklist for me to work on x x
Apologies for the delay Clanettes! Yesterday was manic and I have so much to share that I didn't manage to finish writing everything before the day was over. So Sum it Up on Monday it is this week!
Monday I signed all my contracty bits with Kiddicare today and I start on Sat 23rd March. I'm hugely excited!! As part of my contract, I'm obliged not to talk about them online, so from now I may refer to work, but I won't really be talking about them again - except to say I'm sure they're going to be a great employer and I looked forward to a long working relationship with them!! Tuesday
Lucys birthday and crafting today - see last weeks post here. It was also pancake day and Paul cooked an amazing pancake tea - courtesy of Jamie's 15 minute meals.
Wednesday
Niamhs birthday! See that post here. Thank you for such lovely feedback on Niamhs birth story. It was a great experience and I was very lucky - I would always recommend a midwife!! Thursday
Valentines day and MRI day! Paul worked from home today, so I could go to the hospital this afternoon. Paul and are aren't particularly romantic, we know we love each, we know its for this life and the next, but its not something we express all the time. I was totally shocked and thrilled with 3 little parcels and a beautiful card this morning. Then dinner too!
Paul admitted he loves me more than bike - BIG admission.. bhahahahaha!
This is a print by Josephine Wall - The tree spirit and the dryad - see here.
Salmon en Croute (My fave meal of all time!) with asparagus and edamame beans.
Washed down with sparkling wine and a cheeky lemon mousse for pud. Thank you Paul xx
The MRI was dull. The traffic was the most hideous bit, and I don't find anything out til next Monday 25th. Fingers crossed - although I don't know if I am more worried that they WILL find something, or that they WON'T..? You know..? Friday Inset day - the kidlets and I went out about, see that post here.
Saturday and Sunday
All three kidlets went to stay with Rae Rae and Chester over night on Saturday! Paul and I dropped them off at 2pm and collected them at 11am the following day..! We dropped them off, then went to Paul's gym for a swim, before heading to Sainsburys/M&S for a spot of browsing and dinner choosing, before renting 'Taken 2' and having a quiet night. I still awake stupidly early on Sunday morning, mooching around a bizarrely silent house! We cooked a nice breakfast and then Paul set off to run back to Rachel's and I left a while later in the car.. He ran his first half marathon! So proud of him!! 13.1miles!!
Thank you so much Rach and Chez, they had such a brilliant time and are brimming with the excitement from a sleep over at your house.
After we had collected them, we all went back to Paul's gym and went swimming. We then dashed home so that I could get to my last swimming lesson.
A great last session it was too. Chris, the instructor, commented on my breast stroke 'I would be hard pushed to find another swimmer in a normal lane swim doing a better technique..' Thanks very much! I feel so much better about the strokes really, and I just need to keep my practice up. I was the only one bumped up to the advanced group if and when I book anymore. I have LOVED the sessions! I will def book again.
So that was us next week. Another week of no exercise. I ache to get back on my bike, or go out for a run and I am looking forward to moving forward with the consultant next week. Today we mostly...
Monday
I spent most of Monday with Vikki and Jenni and the babies, before going into school to see Lochie do a story telling of the three little pigs with his classmates. It was lovely to be in school, and Niamh really enjoyed the session.
We didn't go swimming in the evening, instead I went to see Lucy and she thai massaged my poor weary back. Tuesday I babysat Livvi for Vikki, whilst she took Barney to his opprtunites group. Emma had Niamh in the afternoon for me, and I was able to spend some down time just resting.
Wednesday
I accompianed Vikki to the Hospital for Barneys second blood tests, and she writes about it here. It wasn't a nice thing to have to do, but it was nice to be able to support you Vikki xx
After school the Bigs had their usual swimming lesson and I was delighted to watch Bebe do front crawl! Its messy, its basic, its not really front crawl, but its so recognisable that it is actually front crawl! I love how they love to swim, and I love that I really get how much they look forward to their lessons now too.
Oh yeah, and I got myself a job! (if you missed the post, see here! Where were you?!)
Thursday Em, Dan and Leif visited today! We went to Ikea! A great day! The trouble with Ikea, is that you just don't know what you need, til you see it. Today I NEEDED these little lights for my kitchen window
I nipped over to see Elle in the evening, and nearly 2 bottles of wine later(eeeek!) we had a go at some glass painting! She makes it look sooo easy, and it really isn't. I have proved this!
Friday Lucy had Niamh for me and today I went to see the Orthopeadic Back specialist. Here is an exerpt from an email I sent to my family afterwards.. "Lovely man, I basically cried at him for 20 mins whilst he read through my comprehensive list of things that I cant do and cause me pain. MRI booked for next thurs. He does see women with links between menstrual bleeding and back injuries! He has promised me I wont have to live with it for the rest of my life. I will go back and see him once he's looked at my MRI results. I may have fallen in love with him a little"A very postive outcome - just as well, because I think my Back is getting worse.
And on a doubly postive end to the day, Bebe was awarded a certificate for excellent work and behaviour. I'm so proud of her!
Saturday
Kinday as mentioned yesterday!
Sunday
A lovely quiet day at home, I got some birthday baking done, and we made up some party bags - I can't quite believe that Niamh will be 2 years old this week!
I had my penultimate swimming lesson this evening and I am an update behind - I shall remedy this immediately.. Watch this space!
Happy sunday Clanettes! Yet another week of amazing highs and low lows here.
Monday
Niamh and I accompanied Vikki, Barney and Livvi to their Monday morning opportunities group. We really enjoy going, and today we met a new little boy, an amazing boy who at his tiny age can count to stupidly high numbers and do complicated multiplication, but who can't communicate with you and who suffers from Pica (esssentially an eating disorder - see here) amongst other Autistic things. The little boys mother humbled me beyond believing, describing what he eats and the scary situations they have been in. I was yet again able to come home and count my blessings for my 'normal' family and recognise how extra strong some mothers need to be. How the heart can hold such love and admiration.
In the evening I went swimming and concentrated on practising my new techniques in front crawl and breast stroke.
Tues
Today I had a second interview! I have mentioned a telephone interview last week, and I was emailed to be invited along to a secondary recruitment event.. I think and hope it went well! More news on that as it arrives.. Keep your fingers crossed for me please!
Weds
Lucy had Niamh for me this morning, and I went and saw the Osteopath. We have agreed that we have reached the end of the Osteopathic treatment for me. I can gain relief from her, but she isn't going to be able to fix me. So with a heavy heart I chased my specialist appointment and this has come through for next Friday.
Thursday
After the breastfeeding clinic, I spent some time finishing some bunting to 'help' Dave with his first official sound bath. (I talked about my sound therapy experience here, and he now has a live website http://www.nadasoundtherapy.co.uk/) When I say help, I mean to help set the tone and wish him luck! I hear the session went well over the weekend and I can't wait to hear all about it!
We also painted our nails, in a pre-going out sesh, and I was a bit of a Back wreck.. more on that in a mo.
Friday
On Friday I spent a fabulous hour in school with Brenna. She was so excited for me going in and it was lovely to see her in situ. Lucy came and massaged me and Lochie came home from school with a certificate showing how well he had done this week. And Niamh got into the swing of things with me, before I went out for dinner with my 'Maman Delicioux' friends - friends I have met and made through the breast feeding clinic on a Thursday.
Left to right - Me, Vikki, Elle at the back, Jenni in the front and Magda.
We had such silly fun, with moustaches and far far too much to drink!
Saturday
On Saturday we went to visit my Mum and Dad - I was somewhat worse for wear, and as Paul had arranged to cycle there, I was on my best behaviour taking the kidlets to karate before heading to my parents house. We had a fab weekend, and I was delighted to see my Sister, Brother in Law and Leif. My parents head on holiday this week, for a whole month, so I hope they have a fabulous time x x
Sunday
We came home from my parents house, and I had my third swimming lesson. I feel like I am ending an amazing week on a low, but I need to note down my thoughts and feelings on my Back.
I am Back in denial and it aint no river in Egypt!
The damn thing is hideous. There I have said it. You will notice this is my second full week of no exercise. I try my best to ignore it, I'm pretty good at just getting on with it, but its always bloody there. Niggling away, ruining whatever I am doing. I am miserable. The two things I love to do, just for me, are exercise and sewing, and I can't do either - after finishing the bunting on Thursday, I was in excrusiating pain that evening. Similarly, my amazing disco dancing on Friday night lead to a hideous Back day on Saturday.
Now that I have a specialist appt through, I sat with Paul today and have made a list of things that cause me pain. I am outraged at how I have had to modify my life since Christmas. I feel so sad - I have become so sedentry, and I worked so hard last year to become so full of movement.
Activities that cause me acute pain:
Running (fast walking sometimes!)
Swinging my leg over my bike, sometimes being on my bike actual
Sewing - the action of lifting my foot for the pedal, and bending over the machine is painful
Wearing my long boots - again, the action of lifting my foot and stooping to put them on, is painful (Some days I can't even take my own socks off)
Lifting the kidlets into the car, or carrying Niamh on one hip
Collecting tesco shopping bags, bending to pick them up and put them in my kitchen
Jerking/making sudden movement
'bumping' my pushchair up steps
bending to do anything, likethe washing machine etc
Sitting on tall or low chairs, where I am arkwardly positioned.
The pain is not constant. I refer to it as a 'catch'. Something in my back gets caught, and when it catches I am immobile for a moment, unable to go back into the position I just left, or forward to complete the movement I was attempting. Rather like a labour contraction, I forget the pain until the next 'catch' and then immediately it arrives I am thrust into a wave of painful remembering. And so I just grind to a halt and wait for it to pass.
And that is the crux. I feel like I am waiting. Waiting to get better? Waiting to get worse? Just waiting to get Back to my life.. I had thought I was getting better, but actually I am doing less and less to compensate.
Paul has entered, amongst other things, an Iron Man distance triathlon this year, and we have been watching some short videos on youtube. Just interviews and the like with the pro-athletes, and this video called' defeat' has really spoken to me.
Don't misunderstand me, I am aware than I'm not a pro-athlete, sometimes I'm not even just an athlete, but there is something in this short video that makes me believe in myself again. They talk about attitude and effort - and being defeated is not being able to give my best effort.
Particularly listen to what Leanda Cave at 03:25 and then immediately afterwards, listen to Linsey Corbin starting at 03:52 - exercise that I just do for enjoyment and health. They talk about being defeated by the boundaries set by your own body - your goals shift, from I want to try and win, to, I really hope that I am going to be able to breath without pain. And being afraid of not being able to get back to that level of fitness.
So yeah, I'm not an athlete, I'm a house wife, I get that, but just listen. They talk about my fears better than I can.
And then to lighten the mood. This. Just this. Yes please little rhino, I totally get it.
This has been a week of emotional highs and lows for me. On Monday I had the first of 2 interviews this week and I didn't get offered that job. On Tuesday I baby relayed with Vikki and Elle, and shared lunch. Wednesday I spent some time with Lucy and she was witness to a hideous telephone interview that went appallingly and I fretted over it, but on Thursday my parents, my sister and my nephew visited and Niamh and I were taken out for lunch, and I was simultaneously offered a second interview on the back of the telephone interview (and was somewhat dumb-founded).
After 5 days of deliberate rest from exercise, I came to the difficult decision on Friday, that my Back is not physically strong enough to start training for an 86 mile sportive in April. The Back sage continues to grumble on and I have ummed and ahhed and decided that the best thing I can do for myself physically right now, is pull out. It has messed with my a head a bit, I'll be honest. I feel like I have quit, you know? I feel like I haven't even given the training a chance and that come April I will regret the decision. But on the other hand, I am relieved because I can't actually do it right now. How can I simultaneously be disappointed and relieved over training that I can't actually, physically do..?! The mind is a weird thing.
So having decided to withdraw from Aprils race on Friday, I was a rather frustrated on Saturday morning. What else could I do, but push myself to my limit and complete a killer turbo session with the help of The Sufferfest and a specific turbo training video called 'Hell Hath No Fury'. It was hard! I have lost a lot of bike fitness (and was sad to realise that I haven't run in over a month now. ARRGGGHHHHHHH!) as my cadence monitor shows, but I hope to keep improving on the turbo so that when I am well and healed, I can go out on my bike and enjoy it for what it is.
Paul is of the opinion that a concentrated hour and 15mins on the turbo is the equivalent to double that on the road, because when you are on the road you aren't constantly putting effort in - there are downhill stretches etc. And I have to admit that I worked much harder on the turbo yesterday then I would have done had I gone out and done my 15 mile loop, which would have probably taken me a similar amount time.
On Saturday night Lucy and I went to see Holly, and I briefly saw Rachel too. We did a Mandala (see previous Mandala's here). I will do a specific Mandala post over the next couple of days.
(Can you gues which portion of the Mandala is mine!?!)
Sunday, of course, was an early morning gym session with Lucy - 10k on the bike, 30mins on the elliptical trainer and 10mins uphill walking. Tonight I have my second swimming lesson (last weeks was cancelled because of the snow).
Exercise Summary: W/E 27/01/13 Cycle: 20 miles Run: 0 Elliptical trainer: 1 x 30min session Swim: 2nd swimming lesson
Monday
My parents visited during the day, on their way to the new forest for the week. They are very excitingly have a new kitchen fitted and decided to move out whilst it was done. Good plan!
Monday night ladies swim, 40 lengths in 25 mins.
Tues
Gym with Lucy - 10 min (1k) brisk walk on the treadmill, 20 min (1k) on the elliptical trainer and then 30 mins (10k) on the bike.
Weds I needed to get the biglets some plimsolls for school - you know you need to sort your children's P.E kit when they come home with a hand written sticker on their jumper saying 'Mummy, please can I take my P.E kit into school tomorrow.' So I met up with Vikki and headed into town. Plimsolls and a new dress later, and I was shopped out!
'Rest' day - Sound therapy and massage in the evening.
Thursday
'Rest' day - osteopath. I had thought to turbo in the evening, as per my training plan, but after a pre-snow tesco shopping trip with Lucy, after Osteo, my back was tired and I decided to rest.. Yes, yes, I rested peeps!
Friday
Snow day - school was closed, Paul didn't make it into work.
I did a great 1hr turbo session and cycled 10 miles. 10 min warm up, 10 min sustainable effort, then 10 mins of 2 mins on and killing it, 1 min easy pedalling, 10 mins sustainable effort, then another 10 mins of 2 min on and killing it, 1 min easy pedalling, followed by a 10 min cool down.. GREAT SESSION!
Saturday
'Rest' day, my back was tired so I listened to it and gave myself the day off.
In the evening Elle and Johny came for dinner. Vikki was babysitting Elle's daughter Mia, but Mia wanted her Mummy, so after we'd eaten Vikki brought Mia over and we all had a drink!
Paul cooked ultimate pork taco's (another great recipe from Jamies 15 min meals), Johny was great company and at the end of the evening, after a tad too much wine, Elle and I decided to paint our nails...
Elle had seen this video on YouTube..
So we tried it and actually it worked! Kind of! Probably something to try another time when slightly less tipsy.
Anyway, it was hugely entertaining - if very messy!!
And lastly, but by no means least, Elle painted me a set of 4 wine glasses as part of a 'craft it forward' gift on face book. This is the premise you put as your status:
'My turn to pass on the creative love! I am
doing the 2013 Creative Pay It Forward. The first five people to comment
on this status will receive something from me in the next year. It may
be a handcrafted item or something yummy made in my kitchen or it may be
a creative idea just especially for you...a surprise! There will be no
warning as to when you will receive your gift other than it will be
before the end of the year - let me have your address now please so as
not to ruin the surprise. The catch? Those five people must make the
same offer on their Face book status, pay it forward peeps!'
And then you fulfill.. Given that this was only last week, Elle was uber organised! Look what she made me!! As I opened the box, she was quick to point out that she hadn't actually made the glass, she had 'just' painted them.. 'JUST' I shrieked... You 'JUST' painted them? Totally love them x x
Sunday
Its fair to say I wasn't on top form today!! Over-indulgence ahoy!! I fell into bed just after 1am and Niamh came through just before 5am.. I'm not used to so little sleep these days, or lots of rich food and wine!
Fresh snow was settling, the gym was closed, my swimming lesson had been cancelled, so after a hearty and stodgy lunch of jacket potato, tuna and beans, I braved the turbo.. I admit I was half hearted in my session today - but I figure getting out and doing it, is better than not! 10 miles later and I trudged through the snow, back into the house, relieved to have done it.
Exercise Summary: W/E 20/01/13 Cycle: 26 miles Run: 0 Elliptical trainer: 1 x 20min session Swim: 1 swim 40 x 25m - 2nd swimming lesson at the uni cancelled due to the snow
Monday
I was privileged to go with Vikki to support her and her babies in a new opportunities and play group session. Vikki's eldest, Barney (same age as Niamh) is an amazing boy, who likes to do things differently and so through a series of sessions with his speech and language specialist, together with meetings and this and thats, they were invited for a specific session that would allow Barney some freedom - and that would allow Vikki to meet some Mums of other amazing children. (You can read Vikki's blog here).
I didn't know what to expect really, or how Niamh would react. I guess in my prejudiced way, I was expecting lots of frustrated children screaming.. I couldn't have been more wrong. We had a lovely two hours, and whilst the session was structured, nothing was enforced and Vikki visibly relaxed the longer we stayed and the more Barney was clearly enjoying himself. I was invited back too, and we will definitely take them up on that - Niamh loved it!
Vikki, you are an inspiration to me. You have a lot on your plate, I know you always say 'It is what it is', but frankly (Franksly) its a lot. You take the rough with the smooth, the hugs with the tantrums and follow it up with high fives. I always end up crying whenever you have 'a moment' and I always feel so cross with myself. I don't cry for you, or because you are, I cry because I am so proud of you and how you hold it all together. You are the buttons for so many, and I am so happy to be one of the loops x x
Monday night ladies swim, 40 lengths in 25 mins. Vikki, just how much do you love my waterproof headphones!! Oh yeah!!
Tues
8 miles on my bike in 45 mins, on the turbo.
Elle and I have planned a baby relay on Tuesday mornings. She has Niamh for me and then I have Mia for her. It was Turbo-terrific on Tuesday! Best of all though, I had a cup of tea with Emma beforehand, which was super lovely because we never see each other for tea without any children running around. Then after my turbo-terrific session, I had lunch with Vikki and her herd whilst watching Mia, and then Elle came to collect Mia and we all had another cup of tea. See! Totally tea-riffic!
Weds
Gym - 15 mins/5k on the bike and 30mins on the elliptical trainer
Thursday
'Rest' day - osteopath
Friday
'Rest' day - I spent the day with Lucy. She had been in hospital this week, and scared us all with concussion. A door attacked her! So it was nice to see her, check she was ok for myself. We had coffee, lunch and did some Yoga.
Paul and I spontaneously went out for dinner in the evening! We NEVER do that!
A self portrait in the car
In the restaurant - Indian buffet and wine ahoy - I had two large glasses of wine and suggested to Paul, a little too giddily, that we should go and have a drink in a pub like we used to. So on the way back to the car, we went into a 'trendy' pub. After a third glass of wine it was totally over rated, so with that, we drove home, via tesco, where we browsed the kids clothes and I bought a donut.. ROCK AND ROLL.
I had such a fun evening, I loved the spontaneity, the food, the being with Paul, the wine, the trip to tesco. All of it! Thank you, again, to Elle, for babysitting x x
Saturday
Isn't it funny how a fab evening can really boost your spirits, despite having a minor and vague feeling of slight over-indulgence..! So I hit the turbo. I decided to cycle for an hour and just see how I got on.
I felt so good, my back was so strong that I pushed myself. I warmed up for 15 mins, in my easiest gear, then I did 15 mins of '1 min on' and '1 min off' - aka 1 min in hardest gear and resistance, then 1 min free spinning. Followed by 20 mins of '2 mins on' and '1 min off'. Then a 10 min cool down. I totally smashed it and was high as kite by the end.. My new and improved playlist really helped - you need something with a good beat when you want to push yourself.11 miles in total by the end.
My killer Christie hulk pose in action..! It was so cold and wet outside, that the shed was totally steamed up by the time I was done with it! LOVE THE SHED!
The shed was also put to good use during the afternoon, when Johny popped over and Paul was delighted to tinker with his bike and help him with a puncture. Hi Johny!
Sunday
Went to the gym this morning with Lucy. This morning was a nice gentle session for us both. We warmed up for 10mins on the bikes, 3k, did 20 mins on the elliptical trainer and then another 20 mins at a brisk walk on the treadmill (I can just see what my parents are thinking as they read this - Papa, I DID NOT RUN!)
Paul and the kidlets mostly.. and Niamh and I walked behind and we had coffee.
Whilst I was extremely grateful for having made our lunch (Lasagne) on Friday when the shopping came, and so all I made today was 2 cakes - one for today, after the biglets are back from a bike ride with Paul, and one for tomorrow when my parents visit.
I love my little Be-ro book (see here) my Mum always had a copy whilst I was growing up, and she gave it to me when I first left home to go to uni. I love the Jamie's and the Hugh's of this world. But this will always be my fave baking recipe book - and this chocolate cake recipe is my go to staple.
That just leaves tonight.. Tonight is my first swimming lesson!! I AM TERRIFIED!! I will, of course, regale you all of my tale tomorrow.
Exercise Summary: W/E 13/01/13 Cycle: 23 miles Run: 0 Elliptical trainer: 1 x 20min, 1 x 30min sessions Swim: 40 x 25ms in 1 session and whatever I achieve tonight at my lesson!
Happy Sunday Clanettes! The first week of 2013 is almost over already!
This week has been a tough week for me in terms of my physical predicament. What is so hugely frustrating is that I wake up in the morning, sure and certain I'm on the mend, and then by evening I'm in excruciating pain. It has been very difficult entertaining the kidlets whilst trying to protect my back, so I am relieved that they are going back to school tomorrow - they will be pleased enforced garden time is over too!
I am resting where possible and I am following advice. I am taking my anti-inflammatory tabs (they are reeking havoc with my digestion!) and I am icing/heating the area 3 times a day.. I am also able to exercise, as long as I avoid running and if it hurts stop and since its one of my fave things to do.. Of course I have exercised this week! Gently, and with care.
Monday Early morning gym session, 15 min (5k) bike, 15 elliptical trainer and 20 x 25m lengths in the pool
Tues
'Rest' day
Weds
Took the children swimming and really paid for it in the evening. Lucy helped me with Massage.
Thursday
First visit with the Osteopath and to the Drs. Also traditional weigh in day - very pleased to have lost all of my 6lb Christmas gain! Friday
Night time gym session: 15 min (5k) bike, 30 mins on elliptical trainer
Saturday
Early morning (6am) yoga and turbo session, nice light cycle, only 6 miles in the dry of the shed, whilst the rain howled outside (smug again!) Then we went to Gunwharf quays outlet to get the Bidlets new school shoes, and new non-school shoes (Is it just me? But given how quickly school shoes wear out (a poster in Clarks yesterday said they will wear then up to 1000 hrs before they grow out of them) I like them to have running around non school shoes too) Bebe chose boots and she says they are actually the best things in the world ever. She might be right. Lochie has standard boys black school schools, and is much more enamoured with his non-school schools. They are both now a size 11/11.5!! Niamh hasn't changed shoe size this time and since her shoes are still in good nic, she didn't get a new pair.
We all love the massive Nike clearance shop there, so the kidlets all got exceptionally well priced trainers as their non-school shoes, Paul got a running belt for carrying water and I got myself a new gym top. Its a bit more see through than I was expecting, given that most of it is mesh, but actually I really love it.
In the afternoon I had a cuppa with Vikki and then we went to tea with our friends Elle and Johny, they have a 6 month old called Mia. I met Elle through the clinic. Johny cooked chicken and lots of lovely accompaniments before fascinating Lochie with Jupitor through their new telescope (Vikki, Elle and I all live in a big triangle and you can see our houses from each others houses. We played a little game of 'Stalker!' with Vikki - she was in her living room, waving at us spying on her from Elles roof with the new telescope!) A really lovely evening, thank you very much. I'm sorry I was such a melodramatic limping wreck by the end!
Sunday
Early morning gym session, 15 min (5k) bike, 30 mins elliptical trainer and 20 x 25m lengths in the pool. We have got into a little Sunday morning routine, I go out first and I am home by 9.30 and then Paul goes straight out, he is home by 12 ish. Then a big family lunch and whatever the plan is for the afternoon. Today we are playing a new quiz game - and then getting ready to go back to school and work in earnest.
I am always starved when I get in on a Sunday morning and I have discovered the nearly sat fat free joys of oat cakes, jam and cottage cheese... With a chopped apple and a large coffee it keeps me going post gym, til lunch time. Its also quite popular with the kidlets!
Exercise Summary: W/E 06/01/13 Cycle: 21 miles Run: 0 Elliptical trainer: 1 x 15min, 2 x 30min sessions Swim: 20 x 25ms in 2 sessions
